Daily challenges on the farm
OWENSVILLE, MO. - Laura Hardecke grew up on her family’s 600 acre farm in rural Gasconade County where they raised hogs, Angus cross cattle and row crops, alternating corn and soybeans each year.
“I loved growing up on the farm, surrounded by agriculture, other farmers and of course, helping with the piglets and the newborn calves....
Freman and Connie Elam of Bear Creek Boers
LEBANON, MO. - Freman and Connie Elam are familiar faces if you have ever been around the Boer goat barns at Ozark Empire Fair, the Missouri State Fair, FarmFest or the ABGA National Show. Their farm is located in Laclede County Missouri just North of Lebanon. They have a 100% Fullblood Boer...
Raising the bar on quality Dorpers
WEST FORK, ARK. - “We’re shepherds. Not just of the sheep, but of the things, the talents and the resources God has given us.”
With that simple statement, Jennifer Ransom captures what RR Dorpers is built on — faith, family and a deep respect for the animals that sustain them. Her words reflect not only...
Thriving in harsh environments
WEST PLAINS, MO. - Perhaps there is no more recognizable symbol of the American West than the Texas Longhorn and they certainly represent the beginning of the American cattle industry—Andrew and Kevin Painter of Painter Livestock Company are well-aware of both.
The brothers grew up around livestock on ranches in Texas, Oklahoma and northern Arkansas and today...
A rich family history
RICH HILL, MO. - Like so many other Ozark farmers and ranchers, brothers Kyle and Kellen Fischer have had to face some difficult economic decisions in recent years. They are the fifth generation in their family to farm their many acres in rural Bates and Vernon Counties, outside Rich Hill, Mo. Their father, Dean just recently...
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Ark.
County: Pike
Parents: Art and Lisa Trombley
Siblings: Chelsea Ewing, Nick, Alex, Anthony, Lily, and Emmie Trombley
4-H Club: Arkansas State 4-H President 2025-2026
Club Leader: Kami Green
What is your involvement in agriculture? “I grew up on a pretty small farm. Chickens were my main thing, and I showed them at the county fair. As I got a little older, I started to show and raise boer goats, so...
Hometown: Wyandotte, Okla.
County: Ottawa
Family Members: Daughters, Olivia, Aspyn and Izabella
In Town: Megan works as a lead teacher for two- and three-year-old children at a five-star rated daycare.
“I focus on early childhood development and creating a nurturing learning environment.”
Jerrod works as a lab technician at Nestle’ Purina, bringing a strong scientific and analytical background that compliments the understanding of animal...
Location: Fordland, Mo.
County: Webster
Owners: Bryce & Katie Burks
History of the business: We started our welding business a year ago after traveling on the road as a welder for nearly 10 years. We knew that as our kids got to school age it was time to settle down and continue growing my passion in my career.
What are the products and...
Building a Community
SPRINGFIELD, MO. - Walking through the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds during the Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild’s biennial quilt show, it quickly became apparent that this was about much more than quilts. Certainly, there were nearly 370 beautiful quilts hanging throughout the exhibit halls – everything from treasured heirloom designs to bold modern creations – but the true beauty...
Celebrating One Hundred Years
STOUTLAND, MO. - In 1926 F. Lawrence “Bally” Bailliere began a little venture in association with Dr. Charles “Doc” Furrow, known for establishing the initial trout hatchery at Bennett Spring before the state purchased the property for Missouri’s first state park in 1924-25. The two began a new business, raising trout on 97 acres outside Stoutland,...
Hometown: Bluejacket, Okla.
County: Craig
Parents: Kenton & Katie Bradshaw
FFA Chapter: Vinita FFA
Chapter Advisor: Justin Long
What is your involvement in agriculture? My involvement in agriculture started at a young age. I was introduced to showing pigs at just three months old. My older cousins Shyla and Coy were the ones that inspired me to start showing. Growing up watching them win all the buckles and banners that...
Young people in the agriculture industry are using social media to share their experiences and promote a positive image of agriculture, which is good...
Agriculturalists play a vital role supporting students’ supervised agricultural experience projects
Students across the country are actively engaged in agricultural education through supervised agricultural experiences...
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